Kröner-Stärke ramps up functional flour and starch warehouse to meet plant-based demand

17 Aug 2021 --- Kröner-Stärke, a manufacturer of clean label and organic ingredients, is launching a “state-of-the-art” bulk loading facility at its headquarters in Germany. The investment comes as a response to a burgeoning number of orders for functional flours and starches to address clean label and plant-based foods throughout Europe.

“Investing in this facility has allowed us to significantly increase our warehousing capacity, and the new fully automated system is enabling us to respond to orders even more quickly,” says Henrik de Vries, commercial manager at Kröner-Stärke.

The company develops bespoke solutions to suit individual needs across a wide range of foods, including baked goods, soups and convenience products, battered or dietetic products. The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed.

Spelt-based ingredients are being leveraged to produce plant-based meat alternatives.Plant-forward functional ingredients
Some of Kröner-Stärke’s most in-demand products are those designed to be used in plant-based products. The company notes its range of spelt-based ingredients are particularly in demand for these types of applications. And with Europe experiencing an upward trend in consumers opting to follow plant-based or flexitarian diets, the company sees no sign of demand slowing down. 

Kröner-Stärke’s spelt range can be used to improve stabilization, texture, freshness, taste and yield without the use of artificial additives. The ingredients can be leveraged to overcome challenges in producing high-quality meat substitutes without the use of non-natural ingredients. The versatility of its product range allows firms to diversify their portfolios to meet current consumer demands. 

Expanded capacity and automation
Suitable for the storage and distribution of the company’s wide range of products, the detached warehouse extends to over 7,000 sq. ft. It boasts four new fully automated loading lanes, each one spatially separated within its own enclosed area, ensuring different product flows remain completely apart.

Prior to loading, products pass through several layers of enhanced security screening at the new facility, including metal detection and ejection. Quality assurance of products has also been further strengthened due to the installation of 39 new fully insulated, magnetically sealed loading and storage silos, considerably reducing any negative impacts of environmental or weather conditions upon stored items.

Plant-forward snacks are increasingly in demand as consumers look for F&B that is healthier for them and healthier for the planet. ADM’s recent Outside Voice research echoes this sentiment, finding that 70 percent of consumers rate protein from plant sources as healthy.

Edited by Missy Green